2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more upscale, luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company underwent a transformation, developing new platforms for its vehicles. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was the flagship SUV built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Its design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight detail, all contributing to its athletic and luxurious appearance. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" interior, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of six trim levels, catering to various preferences and budgets. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille design, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents, giving it a rugged appearance. However, it was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. The RAV4's interior included practical storage solutions, such as a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. While the RAV4's interior was relatively basic, it provided a sense of ruggedness with its lever-style gear shifter. The RAV4's design remained consistent with the 2019 model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims retaining the two-part face.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options, starting with the T5 model, which featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger to the mix, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available in front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8's plug-in hybrid powertrain offered an EV range of up to 36 miles and a combined 66 MPGe rating. The XC90's driving experience was characterized by minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's acceleration was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims came with AWD as standard, while other trims offered it as an option. The RAV4's suspension setup included MacPherson independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride. The TRD Off-Road trim featured unique components like shocks and jounce bumpers, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row through a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, it lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90's towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage options, including door pockets, seat back pockets, and a spacious glove compartment. The standard laminated panoramic moonroof added to the cabin's airy feel, and the air-conditioning system performed well even in high temperatures and humidity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five passengers, with 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the back seats. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row. The RAV4's interior offered practical storage solutions, such as a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The cargo space measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the RAV4's cargo capacity was competitive, it fell short of the class-leading Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned for easy access, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. The vehicle also included USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Adventure trim we tested featured an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to provide assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.